Riverhead Column: Giving season’s in full swing

COURTESY PHOTO | Riverhead Care Center administrator MaryAnn Mangels and Our Family Council presenting a $200 dollar check to Zona Stroy of the First Baptist Church food pantry.

Instead of going home after a long day at school, members of the Sr. Mary Euphrasia Chapter of the National Honor Society visited the Peconic Bay Skilled Nursing Facility to bring some joy and fun into the lives of its residents. Twenty-nine students introduced themselves, shared their college plans and then treated the residents to acoustic numbers, singalongs, dancing and games. When asked who had a better time, the students and the residents shared the same response: “We did and it was a lot of fun.”

The Riverhead Care Center made a blessings tree in their main dining room and sold leaves for a dollar. Those who purchased a leaf were encouraged to write what they were thankful for. All monies raised during this fundraiser will be donated to the food pantry at First Baptist Church. Also, donations of nonperishable food items for the holidays are being collected for local food pantries until Tuesday, Dec. 20, to be given to the pantries on the 21st. A donation box is located at the entrance to the nursing home.

The teen department at Riverhead Free Library made 384 biscuits and delivered them in decorated boxes with greeting cards to Kent and Riverhead animal shelters. Also delivered to Kent were 16 dog tags made by the teens that contained a downloaded photo of a Kent dog that is up for adoption — a nice gift for some lucky dog and a new friend. Participation in these programs earns the teens community service credits. They have till the end of the month to earn more credits for donating canned food, clean towels or blankets for the shelter animals (dogs and cats). Don’t forget there’s teen board games on Friday, Nov. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. Hope to see you there.

Happy wedding anniversary to Renee and Mark Linnen, who celebrate 28 years, and Louise and Greg Meyer, their 23rd, on Nov. 26.

A perfect way to send a touch of home to the men and women serving our country overseas during the holidays is by dropping a Christmas card to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456 (postmark by Dec. 9). Remember, they are protecting our freedoms and are not able to be home with their families. Inside your card say hello to a service member and be sure to sign your name. Check out the website redcross.org/holidaymail.